Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in Non-specific Chronic Back Pain

Localized and Generalized Musculoskeletal Pain: Psychobiological Mechanisms and Implications for Treatment (LOGIN) - Subgroups Characterized by Psychological Trauma, Mental Comorbidity, and Psychobiological Patterns and Their Specialized Treatment - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in Non-specific Chronic Back Pain

The study explores the feasibility of Eye-Movement-Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in non-specific chronic back pain.

The study explores the feasibility of Eye-Movement-Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in non-specific chronic back pain in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 6 months follow-up. The treatment consists of 12-sessions EMDR a 60 minutes using eye-movements for bilateral stimulation in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) that is compared to TAU alone.

Inclusion Criteria:

• >= 18 years
• non-specific chronic low back pain >= 45 days/3 months
• high emotional distress caused by psychological trauma
• German language skills

Exclusion Criteria:

• specific causes of chronic back pain
• application for retirement pension pending
• ongoing psychotherapy
• severe physical or psychiatric comorbidity